LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Guillermo Gonzalez was nominated by an anonymous student.

"I have known Mr. Gonzalez for five years, and in my life, as well as the lives of many other students, he took on the role of a teacher, mentor, motivator, supporter and most importantly, a friend," said his nominator. "I first met Mr. Gonzalez during my first year of high school in 2013, when he organized a meeting with all the incoming freshmen for Global Students. I truly believe Mr. Gonzalez deserves to be selected as a Life Changer of the Year because his dedication and passion for teaching and motivating students really shines through in all the work he does. I have never seen a teacher who is more committed to students as much as Mr. Gonzalez."

Global is one of Garfield’s learning communities, in which Mr. Gonzalez has been a proud and devoted member. He is one of the few teachers who takes time apart from teaching to give guidance to students. Every year, he meets up with each grade level of global students to make them aware of the rich learning opportunities that are available. Mr. Gonzalez always follows up on the students he meets up with to make sure they are applying for summer programs and scholarships, or just to make sure they do not have any troubles in school. Many times, he has stayed up late just to search for summer programs, scholarships, or to write a letter of recommendation for students.

"Mr. Gonzalez gives students what they are missing in their lives: care, compassion, happiness, and support. This man has been the reason for the success of so many students and I know that with his help, I, too, will accomplish many great things in life," said his nominator.

The trait that really shines through about Mr. Gonzalez is that he is very understanding, loving, and charismatic. He tries very hard to get to know every student and their situation in order to understand where they are coming from, and to teach in a way that each individual will understand. His charisma stands out at any hour of the day, but it is when he combines his charisma with his love of teaching that makes his classroom stand out from the rest.

The energy in his classroom feels comforting and welcoming to all students. Mr. Gonzalez is one of the few teachers that brings enjoyment to learning. He strives to make his teaching methods fun and adaptable for all students.

"My brother had the honor of being in his classroom for a year, and I noticed something different about him when having that class. He always seemed eager to learn from Mr. Gonzalez, so much that he would try his best to come on time, which was odd because he never showed enthusiasm for math," said his nominator. "For the first time, a teacher had gotten my brother to feel like he had a place in school."

Growing up in East Los Angeles, Mr. Gonzalez experienced the same living and learning conditions most students go through.

"When I shared my story and my living conditions with him, he did not make me feel strange, different, or ashamed. Instead, he taught me how to be proud of where I came from and to use it as motivation to bring my family up," said his nominator. "Mr. Gonzalez even shared some of his own life experiences to prove to me that people like us, Hispanics with undocumented family members that struggle to make ends meet, can make it in life. He makes students feel equal to him, as on the same level, no one is better."

Much like well-renowned teacher Jaime Escalante, who also taught at Garfield, Mr. Gonzalez pushes students to their limits and gets them out of their comfort zones. He pushes students to attend summer programs away from home and experience all the endless possibilities that college has to offer them. He has such a passion for teaching and mentoring that he gives students the “ganas” to succeed and make something of themselves, which makes it hard to let him down.

Mr. Gonzalez is very devoted to his community because he understands that most students in East LA do not receive the support and guidance they need to pursue a higher education. He has this look in his eyes that makes you feel unstoppable and capable of anything that forces you to exceed your limit. He takes it upon himself to motivate students to attend college, no matter the situation. Mr. Gonzalez guides every student until the very end - he makes sure he gives and finds enough support for everyone.

"Mr. Gonzalez sees the potential that we do not see in ourselves. I can truly say that he is the reason that I am a proud Mexican- American woman attending college to receive a bachelor’s degree of science in civil engineering," said his nominator. "He opened so many eye-opening doors for me during high school that set me on a straight path to my goals. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in civil engineering before I applied for college. Mr. Gonzalez gave me the great advice that I still carry to this day: 'Never let anyone get in the way of your dreams.' For that, I give him my sincerest gratitude."

When his nominator applied to colleges, a student advisor from a university suggested she shouldn't enroll as an engineering student because it was an impacted major for many universities.

"My initial reaction was shocked, because I was surprised to hear that an advisor would tell anyone to not apply for the career they want to major in," said his nominator. "Shortly after, I remembered the advice Mr. Gonzalez shared with me, and I decided to go through with my decision of applying as engineering major. Also, thanks to Mr. Gonzalez I was recruited for a summer internship with DPR Construction after my senior year of high school. I keep in touch with Mr. Gonzalez to tell him about my experiences at college and my internship, and it helps to have someone who understands being a first-generation college student."

Mr. Gonzalez is proud of each student for all their accomplishments, and he gives his full support to students who reach out to him. Every student who has gotten to form a great relationship with Mr. Gonzalez can tell you that he is a great teacher and mentor.